Almost all trips to Tenerife are centred around one thing: the beaches. Being the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, you’ll find many incredible beaches in Tenerife.
While you’ll find many classic white sand beaches in Tenerife, due to the island’s volcanic nature, there are also many beautiful black sand beaches in Tenerife.
Here are a few of the most popular beaches and a few quiet beaches in Tenerife. But first, let’s talk about getting around Tenerife.
See also: Six Top Tenerife Adventure Shore Experiences with P&O Cruises Fly Canaries
Getting around Tenerife
If you want to beach-hop around Tenerife, you’ll need to know how to get around. There are three main ways to get around: by bus, taxi and car.
Getting around by bus in Tenerife is the most affordable way of seeing the island. You’ll be able to find the bus timetable at any of the bus stations, or you can ask your hotel for assistance (or Google).
The second option is by taxi. We recommend getting a taxi from the airport as it’s the easiest way to get to your hotel – check out Solhop. Once at your resort or hotel, you’ll likely find taxi ranks nearby or spot taxis while out and about. Taxis display a green light on the roof and will have an official plate with the letters ‘SP’ (servicio público – public service) on them.
However, hiring a car in Tenerife is the most convenient way to get around the island. There is a variety of car hire companies to choose from, with many different cars.
See also: Exploring the Roads in Tenerife
Beaches in Tenerife
If you love exploring different beaches, here are a few of the best beaches in Tenerife.
1. Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje beach
Playa del Duque beach in Tenerife is often considered the main beach in Costa Adeje. This whole area is quite exclusive, offering a premium resort feel. While it is quite commercialized, this beach also offers opportunities for rest and relaxation. It’s also protected by a breakwater, making it safe for children and families.
You’ll also find all beach facilities, including sun loungers and parasols, toilets, showers, changing rooms and beach bars. It’s also one of the twelve beaches in Tenerife with facilities adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Location: Calle Unterhacing, s/n, 38679 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Where to stay: Bahia del Duque
Overlooking Duque Beach in Tenerife, the luxurious Bahia Del Duque is surrounded by 6 hectares of subtropical gardens. It offers 5 outdoor pools, 8 restaurants, 7 bars, fitness centre and stylish accommodation with private balcony.
2. Playa de Las Teresitas, San Andres
Located in San Andres, near the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Playa de Las Teresitas is one of Tenerife’s most popular golden-sand beaches. It’s a large beach, stretching 1,3 kilometers long and 80-meters wide.
There’s a big parking lot (that’s free) along with changing rooms, toilets, showers, restaurants and bars. One of the best things about this beach is that it’s lined by beautiful palm trees – giving it a fabulous island beach feel.
Location: Lugar Playa Teresitas, 108, 38129 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Where to stay: Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
This stylish, urban hotel with a spa is located in a colonial-style building. The hotel is situated in a quiet residential area, just 50 m from García Sanabria Park. It is just 5 minutes’ drive from the ferry port with regular crossings to the other islands.
Where to stay: Labranda Bahia
3. Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz
Playa Jardín is one of the Puerto de la Cruz beaches. Located in northern Tenerife, it’s one of the most popular beaches in the region. It’s also one of the black sand beaches in Tenerife and is divided into three sections: Castillo beach, Charcón beach and Punta Brava beach.
Surfers will be happy to find the open areas, while other beach lovers can enjoy the promenade, gardens, children’s playgrounds, terraces and restaurants.
You’ll also find all beach facilities, including sun loungers and parasols, toilets, showers and changing rooms. It’s also one of the twelve beaches in Tenerife with facilities adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Location: Calle Luis Lavaggi, 14, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Where to stay: Cómodo estudio Playa Jardin
Situated in Puerto de la Cruz, just 250 m from Playa Jardin, Cómodo estudio Playa Jardin features beachfront accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, a shared lounge and free WiFi. The apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with pool views.
4. Playa Guios Beach, Los Gigantes
Here’s one of the black sand beaches in Tenerife. It’s located in the resort town of Los Gigantes and is well known for its tall cliffs reaching up to 800 meters. While it’s not a very big beach, only about 180-meters long, but it has everything you need for a perfect beach day of swimming and relaxing – including showers and toilets and lifeguards.
Location: Calle los Guíos, s/n, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Where to stay: My Ocean – Cliff & Ocean View
Situated in Acantilado de los Gigantes, just 100 m from Los Guios Beach, My Ocean – Cliff & Ocean View features beachfront accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a garden and free WiFi. With sea views, this accommodation offers a balcony.
5. Playa La Tejita, Santa Cruz
Located on the East Coast of Tenerife, this is one of the largest natural beaches on the island. You can expect soft sand beach, bright blue waters and craggy volcanic rock formations. It’s much windier here, making it a great beach for windsurfing or kiteboarding.
Nearby town, El Medano, is a popular kitesurfing town with cool bars and restaurants to chill out at.
Location: 38618 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Where to stay: Vista Roja
Set in El Médano, just 350 m from La Tejita Beach, Vista Roja offers beachfront accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and free WiFi. With pool views, this accommodation features a patio.
6. El Puertito, Costa Adeje
If you’re looking to go snorkeling in Tenerife, this is the spot to go. Also known as Turtle Bay, this is one of the quieter beaches on the island, most popular for snorkelers looking for turtles. It’s a protected territory, making it the ideal place to enjoy the beautiful nature in the area. You won’t find the strip bars and flocks of tourists here – and you also won’t find the usual beach amenities.
Location: Pje Puertito Sau, 18, 38678 El Puertito, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Where to stay: Apartamento Garza Blanca
This property is 5 minutes walk from the beach. Apartamento Garza Blanca is located in Bajamar, 300 m from Playa San Juan and 600 m from Playa del Arenal, in an area where hiking can be enjoyed.
Travel Dudes
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
